Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that was developed in the 3rd century BC. Despite its ancient origins, Stoicism proves its relevance and value to people in our modern age.
Stoicism, or Stoic philosophy, refers to the philosophical school founded during the Hellenistic period in the early 3rd century BC. It was founded by Zeno of Citium (334 BC – 262BC), although the school continued to develop long after his time.
Stoicism thrived in popularity at the time and especially in the later Roman period; however, it started to decline around the 3rd century AD. The philosophy was totally abandoned in Rome in the 4th century AD when Christianity became the state religion. The last Stoic philosopher of this period was the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Nonetheless, some teachings of Stoic philosophy were revived during the Renaissance period, and now the philosophy is experiencing its third revival at this very moment among 21st century contemporaries.
Stoic philosophy can be divided into three key sections: cosmology or physics, logic, and ethics. The cosmological and logic principles were most impactful during the early development of Stoicism, while an interest in their ethics philosophy grew over time.
Stoic cosmology was materialistic and deterministic, meaning that they believed everything is made of matter, including souls, concepts, and their idea of God. Cosmology also covers the idea of fate and that the universe undergoes eternal change. In Stoic philosophy, fate is not an irrational force, but the will of God.
However, this “will of God” is not the command of some all-powerful figure; instead, it is the eternal, logical structure of the universe. As a result, this will is indifferent to us, because God is not a person, but an active force that determines the eternal chain of causes and effects. Everything happens for a reason, and every effect in nature has its own cause.
The Importance of Stoicism Today
We are the witnesses to confusing cultural times, global politics, influences, insecurities, transgressions and wars. It seems only natural, then, that Stoic philosophy is being revived to help us find the true importance of a happy and content life. In our contemporary time of mass consumption and industrial development, it seems that we can have anything except ourselves. Individually, we are often reduced to a never-satisfied consumer. Stoicism takes a different approach that can help us return to ourselves.
So, what does Stoicism have to do with happiness, and how can we achieve this happiness? We will answer that shortly, but first we must examine the current center of Stoic thought – virtue ethics.
Virtue as the Center of Stoic Philosophy
The Stoic teaching that has had the most resonance in the modern day revolves around virtue. Stoics emphasized the importance of the practical aspect of their philosophies, especially for the later Roman philosophers. Their practical approach to ethics is connected to their metaphysical and logic theories.
Most neo-Stoics amass virtue as the most vital part of Stoic thought. In addition, being virtuous or leading a virtuous life was the main preoccupation of every ancient Stoic. Around the time that Stoicism blossomed, the original Polis of Greece and its free citizens became the subjects of the Macedonian empire and later the Roman Empire. This is one of the reasons why Stoic philosophy emphasized the value of the individual and their capacity for reason and virtue.
Virtue is a natural quality of rational beings. It can also connect us with the world, on both a social and natural level. In this capacity, Stoics were cosmopolitans – citizens of the world.
Virtue is the totality of our character. It is based on what we feel and how we feel, what we think and how we think, what we fear, why we suffer, etc. The goal for Stoicism is to reveal our capacity for virtue and to lay the foundations for a happier life.
This insight was only possible because of the Stoic concept that we should live in accordance with nature and listen to reason, which is our unique ability as human beings. Stoic philosophy urges us to consider our own condition – to reflect on our emotional and mental states – and to think for ourselves in order to live a happier life. Stoicism emphasizes our individual position in the grander universe. Therefore, according to Stoicism, the path to happiness is through virtue and reason, which is achieved by nurturing oneself.
